Gardens
Her father wouldn't talk to her. Her mother couldn't acknowledge her without crying or twisting her clothing into contorted, stunted shapes. Her sister, at first, was angry.
So she bought a small apartment, and planted a garden on her balcony. Tomatoes and peas in pots. Dill and parsley packed together on a window ledge. One day, you will be beautiful. She didn't have many things, much room or money, but she took good care of everything she had. There was such a feeling of careful love in her apartment, in her attentions to her garden, it was hard to believe how much she had lost.
To outside eyes, she had lost most everything, but she didn't see it that way. She had never felt more at ease, more comfortable with her surroundings and withherself. Everything she had gained was kept inside. Because that at least, had never changed, and probably never would. She would never be one ofthe outspoken, could never share her mind with the world.
But one had only to ask her, and she might speak.